Linux Mint 7 is Here

Clement Lefebvre has released new version of Linux Mint (Codename Gloria) available for download. This version includes a new menu and a reworked packet manager.

The new Mint makes a fresh and lively impression. Not only does the new wallpaper and the green and gray theme, but also the new basis which is complete with Ubuntu 9.04 with Kernel 2.6.28 and Gnome 2.26. According to the release notes, Mint requires 512 MB RAM for installation but only needs 256 MB for operation.

One of the main changes is the visual update to the software manager Mintinstall. An app-store displays a rating and a screenshot of most programs so that users can see more easily whether the program at hand is really the one they are looking for. In addition, this distribution also has Synaptic as a Packet manager.

As the menu of choice, Linux Minut went for a mixture of the KDE kickoff menu and the Gnome menu from OpenSuse. An additional input field allows for a quick search of the applications at hand.

Linux Mint can be procured in two variations:the main edition (besides free software) includes proprietary components such as Flash player and Multimedia Codecs and is only available as a CD. Theuniversal edition consists of free software and can also be obtained in DVD form. For the time being, Mint Linux 7 can only be had in 32 bit and so those who would prefer the 64 bit variant will have to settle for Linux Mint 6.